Malaysia Unveils Blueprint
To Revive Battered Economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia unveiling a tight 1998 budget on Friday aimed at slimming its large current account deficit and reviving its battered economy and financial markets.

Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also deputy prime minister, said the government will spend 64.12 billion ringgit next year, up a modest 1.9% from the current year. The budget foresees a surplus of 3.93 billion ringgit, Mr. Anwar said.